WHAT IS RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA, is a learning and loving process which through conversion of the heart, brings the candidate to Jesus Christ whom God has sent for the salvation of all.

The Rite of Christian Initiation is not just a “how to convert class” with a new name, but it helps adults to grow in their relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices, get acquainted with people in the parish, and get involved in ministry within the parish or the wider community.

The goal of the process is full communion which means “full, conscious, and active participation” (#14 Vatican II, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy) in the Eucharist and the whole life of the Catholic faith community.

The RCIA is a gradual process that embodies the elements of a growing relationship with Our Lord. Through four specific periods - Inquiry or Precatechumenate; Catechumenate; Purification and Enlightenment; and Mystagogy - the Candidate moves from casual acquaintance to full commitment. The process can take from several months to a couple years to complete.

• RCIA process (for adults) meets from 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday in the Community Center.
• The RCIA Adapted for Children or Teens process meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays in the parish classrooms.

Please call the parish office for the RCIA registration or for other questions. St Joseph Catholic Parish invites anyone who wishes to know more about the Catholic faith to contact the parish office.